“You can’t be a 4X DPOY and get played off the floor.” That line from DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins wasn’t just criticism—it was a challenge. Rudy Gobert, labeled “overrated” by him, has heard it all before. But those four Defensive Player of the Year awards aren’t just trophies—they’re a statement. A statement that he’s been the anchor, the wall, the last line of defense for nearly a decade. And today, without saying a word, Gobert stood on every one of those accolades—and quietly proved why he still owns that title.
Game 5 was the Lakers’ last stand—and for a fleeting moment, it looked like they might actually extend the series. Coming off a brutal Game 4 where their top five logged heavy minutes, L.A. entered with tired legs but visible urgency. But Minnesota didn’t flinch. The Timberwolves, ice-cold from beyond the arc (7-of-47 from three), leaned into their interior strength—and that’s where Rudy Gobert made his presence felt. With 27 points and 24 rebounds, he was the safety valve for every missed shot, the anchor in every defensive possession, and the difference-maker down the stretch.
Shaquille O’Neal stunned fans with an unexpected twist during the broadcast, praising Rudy Gobert after years of criticism.Shaquille O’Neal’s critique of Rudy Gobert has always been rooted in a clash of eras and playing styles. Shaq, a dominant offensive force in his prime, often measures centers by their scoring prowess, a standard that Gobert, with his defensive focus, doesn’t necessarily fit. This difference in perspective has fueled their ongoing back-and-forth.
“I never thought I’d hear these words come out of my mouth,” Shaq admitted. “But Rudy Gobert is dominating, and I’m happy for him.” However, staying true to his style, Shaq added, “Don’t act like they were throwing Rudy in the post. Rudy got drop-offs because people were going at Luka.” Shaq pointed out that Gobert’s points came from easy finishes, not traditional post-ups, as Lakers defenders—especially Luka Dončić—struggled defensively.
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal stands on the sidelines before a game between the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ star, exited late in the second quarter after injuring his back on a foul by Donte DiVincenzo. Although he returned wrapped up and wincing just before the second half, his injury became a subplot that briefly took attention away from Gobert’s dominant performance. Despite Luka’s struggles—12 points on 2-of-7 shooting—Gobert stayed focused and delivered 27 points and 24 rebounds, quietly shutting down critics and leading the Timberwolves to victory.
The TNT panelists reacted to Gobert’s performance with humor, with Charles Barkley joking, “Rudy Gobert would have killed you. He would’ve dunked all over your head.” Kenny Smith also commented that Mark Williams “would have been serviceable against Rudy Gobert tonight.” After the Lakers’ loss, Williams tweeted a simple emoji, his understated response to the team’s defeat.
Despite all the on-court drama and postgame surprises, one storyline deserves a closer look: the long-running tension between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Rudy Gobert: Old school vs new rules
If there’s one NBA feud that’s quietly simmered for years, it’s the not-so-subtle jabs between Shaq and Rudy. It started way back when Gobert inked that massive $205 million extension with the Jazz. Shaq didn’t hold back. “If I was getting paid $200 million to average 11 points, I’d be happy too,” he said, laughing on his podcast. That set the tone. To Shaq, a dominant big man scores 30 a night and breaks backboards, not one who blocks shots and sets screens.
Things escalated in 2021 when Shaq posted a reel of his old highlights, saying he’d drop “45 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 blocks” on Gobert in today’s game. Gobert didn’t bite—just tweeted, “No beef. Just old heads talking.” But the digs kept coming. On Inside the NBA, Shaq repeatedly downplayed Gobert’s All-Star nods, claiming if Gobert’s in, then he (Shaq) would’ve “averaged 28 and 15 easy.” For Gobert, who’s built his career on defense and rim protection, it was less of a feud and more of a one-man roast session.
By 2023, Gobert had moved to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and while his offensive role was still limited, he remained a top-tier interior presence. Shaq showed minor signs of softening, occasionally crediting Gobert’s defense, but always with caveats about his offensive game.The criticism remained largely about era comparison—Shaq believed Gobert wouldn’t survive the physicality of the ’90s/early 2000s NBA, while Gobert remained confident that dominance looked different in the modern game.
Rudy Gobert may never silence every critic, but he doesn’t need to. With Game 5, he didn’t just beat the Lakers—he shifted the conversation.If this is the version Minnesota gets for the rest of the playoffs, the Timberwolves aren’t just dangerous—they’re real. And as for the feud? Shaq’s praise may not have been a full truce, but it was a rare nod of respect.
Game 5 might represent a turning point in how Gobert is perceived. By delivering a dominant performance on both ends of the floor, he not only silenced his immediate critics but also challenged the long-held narrative about his limitations. It will be interesting to see if this performance leads to a more nuanced appreciation of his contributions.
The post Shaquille O’Neal Strips Rudy Gobert of Praise, Blaming Luka Doncic for Wolves Star’s Historic Night appeared first on EssentiallySports.